Clown Beetle

Hypocaccus gaudens

Order:

Coleoptera

Family:

Histeridae

H. gaudens is one of the more common clown beetles found underneath kelp wrack. They are moderately sized at around 3.0mm to 4.0mm. H. gaudens has a smooth spot on its pronotum (in contrast to other Hypocaccus species), a reddish iridescence and distinct slightly curved grooves along its elytra. They can be difficult to distinguish from E. scissus, since they both have similar size and features. H. gaudens had more angled grooves than E. scissus, which acts as a unique feature. Their diet has not been confirmed.